In December of 2019, with the signing of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the United States Space Force was established as a new branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Much like the Marines are a department of the Navy, the U.S. Space Force (USSF) is a department of the U.S. Air Force. The Secretary of the Air Force is in charge of the USSF with additional oversight by a 4-star general who will be known as the Chief of Space Operations. Job boards across the Internet have begun posting positions within the USSF for civilians.
Space Force Mission
Before looking into the different job positions listed, it’s good to be sure you are on board with the overall mission of the Space Force:
“The USSF is a military service that organizes, trains, and equips space forces in order to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and to provide space capabilities to the joint force. USSF responsibilities include developing military space professionals, acquiring military space systems, maturing the military doctrine for space power, and organizing space forces to present to our Combatant Commands.”
3 Ways to Get On Board with The Space Force Mission
Sounds good to you? Currently, there are several bases that are conducting USSF missions, including Peterson AFB, CO., Buckley AFB, CO., Schriever AFB, CO., Vandenberg AFB, CA., Los Angeles AFB, CA., and Patrick AFB, FL. If you are interested in getting a job with the USSF, there are several ways you can do it.
1. Enlist in the United States Air Force
Currently, the USSF isn’t actually recruiting new enlistees for Space Force service. At this point, your best bet is to enlist in the U.S. Air Force and then put in a request to be transferred to the USSF. The structure of the USSF is much like its parent service branch, the USAF. Do your homework and go and talk with a USAF recruiter on the best way to approach a route to transferring to the USSF.
2. Transfer from Other Military Branches
If you are currently serving in the USAF and would like to transfer to the USSF, you can do that now. As of May 1st, the application process for transferring to the USSF is open to all enlisted and commissioned active duty members of the USAF. If you aren’t in the USAF, there’s a path for you too. As an enlisted or commissioned active duty member of the Army or Navy, you can also request a transfer to the USSF. At this point, current USAF members are going to receive priority over other branches.
3. Find a Civilian Job
The quickest way to join the USSF isn’t as an active duty member, but rather as a civilian. The USSF is looking for qualified civilians to fill USSF post positions at this time. A search for USSF jobs on clearancejobs.com returns listings at different bases. From engineering to program management to training, there are plenty of opportunities to pick from our newest service branch…for now at least.
“Maybe Your Purpose on This Planet isn’t on This Planet”
That’s the latest tag line from the USSF’s TV commercial, and while it’s kind of cheesy, it’s also kind of cool and intriguing. Joining the Space Force is being a part of history. The USSF has received it’s fair share of mocking and has been the brunt of a few jokes, but I don’t think anyone knows what the future holds. Being part of a new branch in the armed forces that is put in place to protect our country’s interests in space, is a cause worth joining.
